University Of Tennessee Clear Bag Policy

So, you’ve decided to attend a University of Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium. Congratulations—you’re about to witness 100,000 people scream into a giant orange toilet bowl. But first, you need to deal with the Clear Bag Policy, a rule so strict it makes airport security look like a yard sale.

What is this madness?

Basically, you cannot bring a normal purse, backpack, or even a suspiciously large fanny pack into the stadium. Your bag must be clear, like a jellyfish made of plastic, and no bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. That’s about the size of a gallon of milk—or a really thirsty hamster.

Why? The official reason is safety, to speed up security lines and keep bad guys from hiding things. But I’m convinced it’s because the Volunteers want to see you cry when you have to toss your stylish leather tote into the trash can outside Gate 21.

Wait, there’s a loophole (sort of)

You can bring a small clutch that’s no bigger than 4.5″ x 6.5″—roughly the size of a deck of cards or a sad sandwich. Don’t even think about sneaking in a granola bar, though. That’s contraband now. The only food allowed is what you buy inside for the price of a small mortgage.

Surprising fact: Tennessee was one of the first SEC schools to adopt this policy, way back in 2017. That means they’re trendsetters in the world of see-through inconvenience. I bet the athletic director’s office is full of plastic bags, just to flex.

But what about my phone, keys, and dignity?

You can bring a clear bag for that stuff. Or, you can wear cargo shorts with 47 pockets like a time traveler from 1998. Just remember: every pocket will be patted down by a volunteer who smells like nachos and authority. Pro tip: leave your emotional support ketchup packet at home.

If you forget your clear bag? Well, you can buy one at the stadium for roughly the price of a used car. They know you’re desperate. It’s like they want you to arrive looking like a confused tourist who just raided a party supply store.

Titans remind fans of NFL’s clear bag policy ahead of new season | WKRN

The real kicker

Here’s the weirdest part: you cannot bring a bag that is completely opaque—like black or navy blue—even if it’s empty. Nope. Security will politely inform you that your purse is “non-compliant,” which is a fancy way of saying, “Your fashion sense is now illegal.” I’ve seen grown men argue with security for fifteen minutes about a fanny pack. Spoiler: the fanny pack lost.

And don’t think you can cheat with a partially clear bag. No. It must be 100% see-through, like your soul when you realize you forgot the sunscreen. The only accent allowed is a tiny logo, about the size of a dime. Yes, they actually measure the logo with a little ruler. It’s the most Tennessee thing ever—serious about football, seriously weird about plastic.

So, how do you survive?

Buy a cheap clear tote online. Stick your phone, keys, and a credit card inside. Wear all your snacks in a jacket with secret pockets. Arrive early, accept the inevitable pat-down, and embrace the chaos. You’re now part of a 100,000-person cult that worships orange and regulation-sized clear vinyl.

Remember: the policy isn’t there to ruin your day—it’s there to make sure nobody sneaks in a rocket launcher disguised as a water bottle. But honestly? If you see someone with a suspiciously large clear bag, just assume it’s full of hope and overpriced hot dogs. Go Vols.